POMPANO BEACH (CBSMiami) – It was an emotional day for hundreds of firefighters, friends and family members of a Pompano Beach firefighter who died after falling off a 100-foot ladder during a climbing exercise.

The funeral service for William “Bill” Elliott began at the Calvary Chapel located at 2401 W Cypress Creek Road in Ft. Lauderdale at 12:30 p.m. following a sizable official fire service funeral procession.

“We have been getting an outpouring of support from fire and police stations. We’ve gotten calls from fire departments as far as Canada on down,” said Pompano Beach Fire Rescue spokesperson Sandra King.

It’s a raw emotional day for firefighters here in South Florida and firefighters from all over the country who gathered to bury one of their own.

“The fire service has a long tradition of we’re all brothers no matter where we are at,” said Capt. Cesar Espinosa of the Hialeah Fire Department. The loss of a brother in the line of duty is an unfortunate tragedy and in Pompano Beach it’s the first time it’s ever happened and it’s a big deal when you lose a member of your family.”

Firefighter William Elliott, a member of the Pompano Beach Fire Department since 1989, died at North Broward Medical Center after falling off a 100-foot ladder during a climbing exercise. (Source: City of Pompano Beach)

“The emotions I’m feeling and my department is feeling is sadness. It can’t be reduced into words. We are still grieving. It’s surreal to us, it’s overwhelming,” said Weidman.

Elliott, a member of the department since 1989, was a respected firefighter.

Espinosa said, “It’s a big deal when you lose a member of your family.”

Elliott’s mother Joanne was in a wheel chair after suffering a heart attack over the shocking news. His firefighter brother John, walked Elliott’s dog Dingy, and followed the casket inside the chapel for a celebration of his life.

“He died in his boots doing what he loved,” she said. I knew he was special, but now know how special he was. My brother was my hero and he will live forever in my heart.”

Fire Chief Harry Small said all safety regulations were followed during Elliott’s training exercise.

Elliott leaves behind his parents, a brother and a sister.

Joan Murray

Joan Murray is an award winning reporter who joined CBS Miami in August 2001 shortly before the September 11th attacks. She was among the first to report the South Florida connection to the terrorists.
In her many years reporting in South Florida...

One Comment

You’re a horrible human!!! Where’s the respect for this man that risked his life day in and day out and probably saved hundreds of lives in his time of service with the fire department!!!!!!!! People like you should be the ones falling off a 100 feet ladder. You disgust me. May GOD let this fireman rest in peace!!!